Curate, connect, and discover
Having icons on the dashboard increases community. I don't take the time to read every username, but with a quick glance, I know who posted something. It means I can associate what they posted with them. Otherwise it's just Stuff. (It's also fun to see the icons. It's a unique personalization that makes people happy, and their prominence makes tumblr unique.) It doesn't take up space. Why take that away?
it's honestly alarming that they're making this shift to depersonalize and disintegrate community.
part of me feels like this is the progression they want:
can't tell who posts -> don't care who posts -> no connection to who is on your dash -> FYP/algorithm
and it's horrible that they seem to be taking such a beloved website and sending it in these directions. probably overreacting but it's sad and frustrating to watch it go
anyway. it's a good reminder to reblog the posts you love, because that's how the website can keep functioning like it does